The River Knows My Name

by Mortada Gzar, Luke Leafgren (translator)

From award-winning writer Mortada Gzar, author of the acclaimed memoir I’m in Seattle, Where Are You?, comes an enthralling and lyrical novel about a girl’s liberating self-discovery in Iraq.

Fifteen-year-old Charlotte is restlessly coming of age in early twentieth-century Basra, Iraq. The daughter of a Seattle doctor and missionary, Charlotte craves an adventure of her own making. Just the thought of the steppes, hills, valleys, and the winding river stirs Charlotte’s imagination and sends her compass of flight dancing.

So, preferring the wondrous unknown to solicitude, Charlotte packs up copies of her father’s Gospels and a statue of the Baby Jesus and runs away. Then, in a desperate search to find his daughter, Charlotte’s own father goes missing. With the help of two women—the mission’s Sister Baghdadli and Shathra, a guide to the lost—Charlotte embarks on a quest steeped in local lore, and as mysterious and marvelous as the river itself. In turn, Charlotte may find what’s she’s been looking for all the ability to stake a claim on her own identity.

In this rich and immersive novel, Mortada Gzar explores the power of belief, the drive for escape, and the exhilaration of self-discovery.

Genres: Fiction

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

Iraqi novelist, filmmaker, journalist, and visual artist Mortada Gzar was born in Kuwait in 1982, grew up in Basra, Iraq, and now lives in Seattle, Washington

Reviews

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm at a bit of a loss with this book. I listened to the audio version which was very well read by Janet Metzger. However the actual story is more like lots of short stories held together by another story.

The connecting story is about a girl who runs away one day and when she is returned she finds that her father has gone missing while looking for her.

There follows a set of short stories which occur while the girl and others are trying to find out what has happened to her father.

What confused me is that she continually changes the story so by the end I wasn't sure what, if anything, had happened or whether her father was dead or alive.

The in-between stories are also strange and confusing without seeming to have much connection with the girl or her father.

There are several serious issues covered including mental health, physical abuse amongst others. They are all quite disturbing.

Not for me but the narrator was good.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.

[vaishnavi ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠* · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC
eARC recieved from NetGalley.

dnf @ 13%

I gave up on this book halfway through Chapter 2. I thought I would come back to it eventually but I never did.

The River Knows My Name is filled with lyrical, content-heavy paragraphs that felt unnecessarily dense and long-winded, which made it a slog to get through.

There was also a heavy focus on religion and I'm being serious - there's some talk on religion every 5 lines and whatever sections I managed to read, it pulled me out of the story. Overall, this book wasn’t for me. Forcing myself to finish would have been a waste of my time.

Don’t let this review turn you off from reading this book!! I'm pretty sure there's an audience for this, considering the lyrical and descriptive writing. It just wasn't for me.

[River Wilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's difficult to have a simple opinion of a book that holds so many stories and different tones between it's covers. I'll start with what I didn't like. The violence and acts of aggression that were often dropped without warning, like a sudden ripple on the surface of a quiet pond. I understand that the matter-of-fact way these events were often described might represent a place where they are so normal that no one bats an eye, but often it felt that some (not all) where added just for shock value. There was also a great deal of genitals being shown or talked about. I wonder if some of the social "realism" is accurate or whether it was exaggerated for effect. There was a lot of violence against women and it was described as just another thing that happens, not really worthy of much emotion: even though the narrator was a woman herself, we are never lead to empathise with these women or made to feel for them. I get that maybe the society represented might not feel much for these women, but if we're seeing these acts from the point of view of a woman, who was a girl at the time, and a supposedly western girl too (though I didn't understand what her cultural background was exactly), then surely some sort of commentary wouldn't have been out of place. More emotion, depth and empathy was shown to the Overleaf Society and their love and devotion to calligraphy than to the fates of the brutalised women.
But this leads me to something else that bothered me about this book: it often only scratches the surface of the stories it tells before moving on to the next one. Much like the river it revolves around, it flows smoothly and continually between tales, without plunging into any depths about any of them. This often left me with more questions about what might perhaps be just cultural differences, than with a better understanding of the world of the story. Perhaps something was lost in translation? I don't know. I feel like I met a lot of people but got to know no one. Even the main characters. We learn that Charlotte is gay, but only in passing. We know that she yearns to escape, but what exactly? Her loving father? Nothing seems to be backed by some sort of more-in-depth context. One is left to guess from the morsels of information left here and there. Is that the goal? Perhaps. Nothing seems to be too defined either way.
Now that's out of the way, I can move on to the things I liked. The writing is beautiful. The author is skilled at painting beautiful pictures with words. His prose, though not being employed as much as it could be in the description of emotional states, shines when employed in the description of events, actions, small details, anecdotes. The observations he makes are often original, interesting and amusing. There's a dry humour to his writing which is pleasant.
I know I complained about being given morsels of information that I had to use to help me see the full picture, like putting together a puzzle where the pieces where hidden in the middle of other puzzle pieces (and the box does not come with all the pieces). However, there is also a side to it that I enjoyed. You get to know certain characters as you would perhaps get to know a person: you arrive in the middle of their story, only know a few things about them (which might not make sense at first) and then gradually get to know them better, bit by bit. A lot of the story (or should I say, stories) is told like that and I found it interesting. If only the box came with all the pieces! Then I would have been content in making this journey morsel by morsel.
Overall it's an interesting book. I enjoy the way he conveys the dynamic interactions of the different realities in town, quite often through his writing.
Some of my issues with this book might come from my own personal taste and a lack of understanding of the culture where the story unfolds. I would honestly have welcomed translation notes where appropriate.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a powerful exploration of a woman's harrowing experiences, enriched by the perspective of a gay woman, which adds a profound layer to the narrative. The weight of the themes was significant, filled with moments of despair and resilience that made it a challenging listen.

A pivotal moment struck me when the protagonist escapes her troubling situation but ultimately chooses to return, only to find her father has gone in search of her. This twist was especially impactful; the tension felt incredibly high, making me invested in the outcome.

The writing captivated me throughout. The prose is beautifully crafted, allowing for a deep connection with the characters and their emotional journeys, even amid the difficult subjects presented. The author's ability to handle such challenging themes with sensitivity and skill is commendable.

By the end, I was left in a contemplative state, reflecting on the narrative. Although I felt uncertain about the conclusion, the journey left a deep impression on me. This piece showcases the strength of its storytelling and emotional resonance.

[Paola · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no universe in which it should take me almost a month to read a book with less than 200 pages, and yet here we are. I have finished six other books since I began reading this, and that on its own tells you how little this story gripped my attention.

I thought the premise sounded interesting, and I was excited to dive into this story. However, after reading only a few pages I realized this wasn't going to be a quick read as I expected it to be. I genuinely struggled to finish this, my mind constantly wandering and paying little attention. I tried to pique my own interest with every page I turned, hoping it would all start to make sense at some point. But it never did, and the fact that I had to force myself to continue reading is never a good sign. I truly hated some scenes, as they were gruesome and violent, with little to no explanation behind their purpose in the story. The rest was simply... meaningless? Maybe I didn't understand the point but I thought there was none. I liked the writing style, as it was lyrical and poetic, but I quickly stopped caring about that as well because the plot never gripped me and the writing then furthermore contributed to my confusion and disinterest.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this one. However, if you're into a lot of religious ramblings, maybe you'd care enough to finish this one, unlike me.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for sending me an ARC of this book!

[Caz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought giving it a month or so to review would give me time to digest this book. But after a break, I'm still as bewildered by this book as I was while I was reading it and at the end of it. My review can be summed up in five words. I - Just - Didn't - Get - It.

Maybe I've not read anything similar to this, maybe it was lost in translation, but throughout the book, I just kept wondering "WHAT??".

The storyline was off the wall, a girl with no legs, her father a doctor who spent more time caring for other patients than he had time for his own child. A nurse? that played the role of pseudo nanny? Girl runs away, father goes missing while he tries to look for her. Girl meets strange boy while on the run, boy ends up in strange situation where he gets raped? But this is brushed over like it's just a common thing that happens. Nothing more is said about it? (What's the point of bringing it up then?) Girl and nurse seem to be friends with a prostitute or madam who runs a brothel. The entire premise was just BIZZARE.

I wasn't keen on the writing style, I couldn't get into the storyline AT ALL, I couldn't understand the characters or relate to them. I almost DNFed the book but persevered to the end thinking maybe there'd be a revelation of some sort. But there wasn't.

**Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

[Kait · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 The River Knows My Name by Mortada Gzar definitely surprised me. Swipe for synopsis. Check content warnings. Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the opportunity to read this via gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own and honest.

This review has been a struggle to write. When I first came across this book, I thought I would really enjoy it. The synopsis was intriguing and I was very interested in it.

Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. It definitely had the potential to be really good, but I was bored and ended up skimming most of it. The writing style also wasn’t for me either. It was very long-winded. There was one paragraph that was five pages long and I don’t think I read three of those pages.

Anyway, please don’t let my thoughts turn you off from reading this book. I think there’s definitely an audience for it out there, it’s just not me.

[opheliaswrites · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!!!
As much as I absolutely adored the lyrical prose and concept of this novel there were some aspects that I felt almost ruined the experience for me. This was namely the unprecedented violence against women, whose characters weren’t given enough depth for the reader to even empathise with. I feel like the casual depiction of the rape of the young boy came out of nowhere and was used as almost shock appeal and a reason for the boy to turn to religion. I definitely think this book should have had trigger warnings AS WELL AS translation notes because I’m useless and nowadays only speak one language after losing my ability to speak in my second one, so context would have been absolutely lovely. As someone who grew up very religious there were certainly parts that hit close to home and truly resonated with me, although I don’t really feel as if the author was able to fully understand and thus accurately describe the inside of a young girl’s mind. At times I was left confused but in a slut for pretty prose so a lot can be forgiven if you present me with enough metaphors.

[J Kromrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Mortada Gzar’s “The River Knows My Name” is a lyrical and evocative novel that takes listeners on a journey through early twentieth-century Basra, Iraq.

The setting of early twentieth-century Basra was vividly brought to life, with its rich cultural tapestry and historical depth adding layers of intrigue to the story.

Janet Metzger’s narration is a highlight of this audiobook.  Metzger’s performance is engaging and evocative, drawing listeners into the world of the novel.

Gzar’s writing is poetic and precise, capturing the beauty and complexity of the Iraqi landscape and the inner lives of his characters. The narrative is well-paced, with each chapter revealing new layers of the story and deepening the listener’s connection to Charlotte’s journey.

Narrated by the talented Janet Metzger, the audiobook version offers a rich and immersive experience that captures the essence of a young girl’s quest for self-discovery. I found this audiobook to be thought-provoking, however I was left confused at the end regarding the father (whether he was dead or alive and what happened to him).

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you so much to Mortada Gzar for the gifted copy!

The first 60% of this book was adventurous and well-written, following an unlikely band of women as they sought to find a missing priest.

The latter 40% of the book felt as though it lost some steam, becoming a bit difficult to keep track of each character.

This is undoubtedly visceral and well written. However, set in 19th Century Iraq, some readers may find the violence that accompanies its coming-of-age storyline difficult to stomach. I found it interesting how detached our young, queer female narrator was from the violence which she’s surrounded by - this isn’t a type of book I read often, and it made sense that someone, even in her circumstance, would become desensitized. It also was interesting to see a perspective I don’t often see reflected in publishing.

I appreciate the opportunity to diversify my reading, just had a bit of a difficult time with some of the more graphic moments.

[Nikki]

DNF. Many reasons. The plot meandered too much, touching on this story or that, and I didn't really care enough to keep going. I couldn't stop thinking about how stupid it is to enter a Middle Eastern region and try to westernize and Christianize these people who have no real need for it other than better medicine. I'm mystified about missionaries, which is why I grabbed this, but as is often the case, it's a selfish, ignorant, and insulting task they set for themselves. I'm sure many people will love this, but it was most definitely not for me.

[Bookish Guada]

DNF
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc!
This book just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t resonate with the writing style, and I have some conflicted emotions with religion that made me a little uncomfortable while reading this book. But that is just a me thing. Still, I couldn’t find something interesting enough in the story to push through those feelings and continue reading it.
I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading this book, but I also want to give my honest experience while reading it.

[Serena · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fifteen year old daughter of a doctor and missionary is bored of her every day life in Iraq with her father, so she runs away. While searching for her, the girl’s father also disappears.

This book is unfortunately a DNF for me after about 25% due to difficulties following the flow of the story. It is also heavily steeped in religion, and I was not able to connect with the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Initially, I was interested in the description of this book, as it seemed like fun to read. Sadly, though, I spent days attempting to find something engaging and enjoyable while reading. Instead, I felt lost and confused about the story.

[Kelly Pramberger]

Lyrical and lovely. It is a complex story with characters facing so much in front of them. I will revisit this book later to understand its meaning better. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful language and translation, but almost (for me) impossible to follow the story.

The main thread follows a young girl runs away, and her father then goes missing while looking for her. This is interspersed with the girl and those she meets attempting to find her father. Sounds benign enough, but very violent, the stories seem very surface level - I feel like I missed something in the reading.

Rounded up to 3 starts purely for the gorgeous language.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a powerful story, much needed to some. Got me though I struggled to really stay motivated to read it and it’s one just shy of 200 pages!